Snap-on platform for tubular shelving

ABSTRACT

Snap-on pieces for tubular shelving may include a platform and one or more rows of opposing clip elements secured to the platform. The opposing clip elements may include a base portion disposed on a surface of the platform, a curved body portion connected to or integral with the base portion, the curved body portion having a shape substantially mirroring a side wall of at least one of the plurality of substantially aligned tubular elements, and a protruding end portion connected to or integral with the curved body portion, the protruding end portion being disposed relative to the curved body portion to protrude along a bottom wall of the at least one of the plurality of substantially aligned tubular elements.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/083,536 filed on Nov. 24, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to tubular shelving and more specifically to components that may interact with tubular shelving.

BACKGROUND

Tubular shelving can provide a convenient, easy-to-install, and affordable solution for many shelving needs. Tubing, for example, plastic tubing is readily available and can be easily cut to length. Rows of tubing may be mounted to a wall with brackets to form a shelf. The tubular shelving is strong and is well-suited to hold large items, such as cardboard boxes. Smaller items, however, may fall between the aligned tubing. For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for systems and methods to extend the usefulness of tubular shelving to smaller objects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to various snap-on pieces that may provide a platform, a tray, a drawer, or a shelf top for a tubular shelving unit. The platform, tray, drawer, or shelf top may be adapted to prevent small items from falling through the spaces in the tubes that form the structure of the tubular shelving unit. According to various embodiments, the snap-on piece can provide a flat platform that can include a plurality of perforations. The perforations can be spaced approximately every 1-2 inches to allow a user to snap the piece on and off of the tubular shelving unit easily. The perforations can optionally align with one or more tubular elements of the tubular shelving unit. The platform can have a variety of lengths to accommodate various shelf sizes. Additionally, the snap-on piece may include a plurality of clips, protruding from a bottom surface thereof. One or more of the plurality of clips may be a flexible or elastically deformable clip to allow the clip to deform as the user presses the snap-on piece onto the tubular shelving unit. More specifically, the flexible clip can be deformed upon coming into contact with a piece of tubing to allow the tubing to pass between the flexible clip and an opposing clip. Once the tubing passes between the opposing clips, the flexible clip can elastically return to its original position to provide a conforming, friction fit to the tube, thereby securing the snap-on piece to the tubular shelving unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1: is a schematic illustration of a bottom perspective view of a snap-on piece according to various embodiments;

FIG. 2: is a schematic illustration of a bottom perspective view of a snap-on piece according to various embodiments;

FIG. 3: is a schematic illustration of a bottom perspective view of a single clip element according to various embodiments;

FIG. 4: is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of a tray embodiment;

FIG. 5: is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of a drawer embodiment; and

FIG. 6: is a schematic illustration of a known tubular shelving unit.

It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the disclosure as well as to the examples included therein. All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances, the term “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

Various embodiments relate to an apparatus for use in conjunction with a tubular shelving unit. The tubular shelving unit may include a plurality of substantially aligned tubular elements. The apparatus may be a snap-on piece that includes a platform; and a plurality of opposing clip elements secured to the platform. One or more of the plurality of opposing clip elements may include: a base portion disposed on a surface of the platform, a curved body portion connected to or integral with the base portion, the curved body portion having a shape substantially mirroring a side wall of at least one of the plurality of substantially aligned tubular elements, and a protruding end portion connected to or integral with the curved body portion, the protruding end portion being disposed relative to the curved body portion to protrude along a bottom wall of the at least one of the plurality of substantially aligned tubular elements. One or more of the plurality of opposing clip elements may be elastically deformable. The apparatus may be generally adaptable between an uninstalled position and an installed position relative to the tubular shelving unit. In the uninstalled position the apparatus may be detached from the tubular shelving unit. In the installed position the apparatus may be releasably attached to the tubular shelving unit, such that the platform rests on the plurality of substantially aligned tubular elements and the plurality of opposing clip elements is elastically deformed to wrap around and to grip at least one of the plurality of substantially aligned tubular elements.

The apparatus may further include a functional element attached to the platform. The functional element may be, for example, a tray or a drawer. Such functional elements can be useful for storing smaller objects.

The platform may also include a plurality of perforations. At least one of the plurality of perforations may be positioned to align with at least one of the substantially aligned tubular elements when the apparatus is in the installed position.

Various other embodiments relate to a snap-on piece for a tubular shelving unit. The snap-on piece may include a platform; and a single row of opposing clip elements secured to the platform, the single row of opposing elements adapted to elastically deform around a single tubular element of the tubular shelving unit. The snap-on piece may be adaptable between an uninstalled position and an installed position. In the uninstalled position the snap-on piece is detached from the tubular shelving unit. In the installed position the snap-on piece is releasably attached to the tubular shelving unit. The tubular shelving unit may include a plurality of substantially aligned tubular elements, and wherein the installed position the platform rests on the plurality of substantially aligned tubular elements and the opposing clip elements are elastically deformed to wrap around and to grip at least one of the plurality of substantially aligned tubular elements. The platform further may include a plurality of perforations. At least one of the plurality of perforations may be positioned to align with at least one of the substantially aligned tubular elements when the snap-on piece is in the installed position. The snap on piece may include a tray or a drawer attached to the platform. The opposing clip elements may include a base portion disposed on a surface of the platform, a curved body portion connected to or integral with the base portion, the curved body portion having a shape substantially mirroring a side wall of at least one of the plurality of substantially aligned tubular elements, and a protruding end portion connected to or integral with the curved body portion, the protruding end portion being disposed relative to the curved body portion to protrude along a bottom wall of the at least one of the plurality of substantially aligned tubular elements.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show bottom perspective views of a snap-on piece 1 according to various embodiments. The snap-on piece 1 may include a platform 2, which may optionally have a plurality of through holes or perforations 3. Referring briefly to FIG. 6, the through holes or perforations 3 may be positioned to align with tubular elements 17 of a tublar shelving unit 16. The perforations 3 may be spaced approximately every 1 to 2 inches and may be sized to allow a user to insert a finger through any perforation to press against the tublar element 17 to detach the snap-on piece 1 from the tublar shelving unit 16. The snap-on piece 1 may also include a plurality of opposing clip elements 4. The opposing clip elements 4 may be offset or aligned relative to each other.

The opposing clip elements 4 may be spaced to allow a tublar element 17 of a tubular shelving unit 16 to fit therebetween. One or more of the opposing clip elements may be flexible or elastically deformable to allow the tubular element 17 of the shelving unit 16 to deform the one or more opposing clip elements as it passes therebetween. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the snap-on piece may include a single row of opposing clip elements 4. For purposes of the present disclosure it should be understood that the phrase “a single row of opposing clip elements” may be understood as including a first row of clip elements opposing a second row of clip elements. Together, the first row of clip elements and the second row of clip elements constitute a single row of opposing clip elements. In other words, a single row of opposing clip elements actually includes two rows of clip elements positioned in opposition to each other. The single row of opposing clip elements may be positioned to align with a central row of tubing. The platform 2 may have a left side and a right side relative to the single row of opposing clip elements 4. The left side may be positioned to rest on one or more rows to tubing. Similarly, the right side may be positioned to rest on one or more rows of tubing. Multiple rows of opposing clip elements 4 may also be employed.

In an installed position, a tubular element 17 may be held between the opposing clip elements by friction and/or pressure applied by contraction of the opposing clip elements. The platform 2 may also rest on one or more additional tubular elements 17 in the installed position to provide a stable surface upon which a variety of objects may be stacked, such as, for example, boxes or garments in a closet. Of course, it will be well-understood that multiple rows of clip elements may be attached to the platform 2 to connect with additional tubular elements 17 of a tubular shelving unit 16.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a single clip element 4 according to various embodiments. The clip element 4 may include a base 5 by which the clip element is attached to the platform 2. The base 5 can be glued to the platform 2 or affixed by any know means, such as for example a screw or a bolt. The clip element 4 may also be made or formed integrally with the platform 2, such as, for example, as a single injection molded piece of plastic. The clip element 4 may include a curved body portion 6 adapted to mirror the profile of a tubular element 17 of a shelving unit 16, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The curved body portion 6 and/or the entire clip element 4 can be flexible or elastically deformable to allow the clip element 4 to bend away from the tubular element 17 during installation and to elastically return to a relaxed position in which the clip element 4, and particularly the curved body portion 6 abuts the tubular element 17. For convenience, such a configuration of a single row of opposing clip elements is referred to, herein, as a single-tube-griping configuration of the single row of opposing clip elements. As discussed above, according to some embodiments, the curved body portion 6 may apply frictional or tensional force against the tubular element 17 to help hold the snap-on piece 1 in place, when in an installed position. Finally, the clip element 4 may have a protruding end portion 7. It will be well-understood that tubular shelving may have other cross-sectional shapes, such as rectangular or square. The clip elements 4 may be adapted to flex around and to grip the shape of any tubular element that is employed.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the curved body portion 6 of the clip elements in the first row of clip elements faces in the general direction of a curved body portion 6 of the clip elements in the second row of clip elements. It should be understood that the clip elements in the first row of clip elements and the clip elements in the second row of clip elements may also be reversed, such that the curved body portion 6 of the first row of clip elements and/or the second row of clip elements faces in the opposite direction. For example, both the first row of clip elements and the second row of clip elements could be arranged so that the curved body portion 6 of the first row of clip elements faces in a different direction, for example in an opposite direction, than the curved body portion 6 of the second row of clip elements. In such a double-tube-griping configuration of the single row of opposing clip elements, the single row of opposing clip elements would be inserted between adjacent rows of tubing. The curved body portion 6 of the first row contacting a first tube and the the curved body portion 6 of the second row contacting a second tube. The single row of opposing clip elements may, therefore, apply pressure to the first tube and to the second tube. As in other embodiments, the platform 2 may have a left side and a right side relative to the single row of opposing clip elements 4. The left side may be positioned to rest on one or more rows to tubing. Similarly, the right side may be positioned to rest on one or more rows of tubing. Additionally, multiple rows of opposing clip elements 4 may also be employed. According to some embodiments, the snap-on piece 1 may include both a first row of opposing clip elements in a single-tube-griping configuration and a second row of opposing clip elements in a double-tube-griping configuration.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of an embodiment having a tray 8. The tray 8 can include a plurality of sidewalls 9 disposed upon or made integrally with the platform 2. The plurality of opposing clip elements 4 may be secured to the platform 2 in the same manner as described according to other embodiments. As with the platform the bottom of tray 8 may optionally have a plurality of through holes or perforations 3 that may be spaced approximately every 1 to 2 inches and may be sized to allow a user to insert a finger through any perforation to press against the tubular element 17 to detach the tray 8 from the tubular shelving unit 16.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of a drawer 11. The drawer 11 can include a plurality of sidewalls 12, a top wall 13, a drawer element 14, having an optional handle or knob 15. The components of drawer 11 can be disposed upon or made integrally with the platform 2. The plurality of opposing clip elements 4 may be secured to the platform 2 in the same manner as described according to other embodiments. As with the platform the bottom of tray drawer 11 may optionally have a plurality of through holes or perforations 3 that may be spaced approximately every 1 to 2 inches and may be sized to allow a user to insert a finger through any perforation to press against the tubular element 17 to detach the tray 8 from the tubular shelving unit 16.

A wide variety of useful components can be disposed upon or made integrally with the platform 2, including by way of example and not limitation, a tie rack, a shoe rack, hooks for hanging garments, and any other closet organizing apparatus.

All elements, including but not limited to the platform 2, the clip elements 4, and the components of the tray 8, and/or the drawer 11 may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials, including but not limited to wood, cardboard, metal, plastics, and/or composites. The elements may be formed separately and attached or formed integrally. According to preferred embodiments the above-mentioned elements are formed of plastic, such as for example, an extruded plastic such as virgin or reclaimed polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethyene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS), and mixtures or blends thereof.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a known tubular shelving unit 16. The shelving unit may include a plurality of tubular elements 17 held in place by plates 18 and/or braces 19, which may be affixed to a wall 20, by any conventional means, including but not limited to screws 21.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. All the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for use in conjunction with a tubular shelving unit, the tubular shelving unit comprising a plurality of substantially aligned tubular elements, the apparatus comprising: a platform; and a plurality of opposing clip elements secured to the platform, each of the plurality of opposing clip elements comprising: a base portion disposed on a surface of the platform, a curved body portion connected to or integral with the base portion, the curved body portion having a shape substantially mirroring a side wall of at least one of the plurality of substantially aligned tubular elements, and a protruding end portion connected to or integral with the curved body portion, the protruding end portion being disposed relative to the curved body portion to protrude along a bottom wall of the at least one of the plurality of substantially aligned tubular elements, one or more of the plurality of opposing clip elements being elastically deformable, the apparatus being adaptable between an uninstalled position and an installed position, wherein in the uninstalled position the apparatus is detached from the tubular shelving unit, wherein in the installed position the apparatus is releasably attached to the tubular shelving unit, such that the platform rests on the plurality of substantially aligned tubular elements and the plurality of opposing clip elements is elastically deformed to wrap around and to grip at least one of the plurality of substantially aligned tubular elements.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a tray attached to the platform.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a drawer attached to the platform
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the platform further comprises a plurality of perforations.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the plurality of perforations align with at least one of the substantially aligned tubular elements when the apparatus is in the installed position.
 6. A snap-on piece for a tubular shelving unit, the snap-on piece comprising: a platform; and a single row of opposing clip elements secured to the platform, the single row of opposing elements adapted to elastically deform around a single tubular element of the tubular shelving unit.
 7. The snap-on piece according to claim 6, the snap-on piece being adaptable between an uninstalled position and an installed position, wherein in the uninstalled position the snap-on piece is detached from the tubular shelving unit, wherein in the installed position the snap-on piece is releasably attached to the tubular shelving unit.
 8. The snap-on piece according to claim 7, wherein the tubular shelving unit comprises a plurality of substantially aligned tubular elements, and wherein the installed position the platform rests on the plurality of substantially aligned tubular elements and the opposing clip elements are elastically deformed to wrap around and to grip at least one of the plurality of substantially aligned tubular elements.
 9. The snap-on piece according to claim 8, wherein the platform further comprises a plurality of perforations.
 10. The snap-on piece according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the plurality of perforations align with at least one of the substantially aligned tubular elements when the snap-on piece is in the installed position.
 11. The snap-on piece according to claim 6, further comprising a tray attached to the platform.
 12. The snap-on piece according to claim 6, further comprising a drawer attached to the platform
 13. The snap-on piece according to claim 6, wherein each of the opposing clip elements comprises: a base portion disposed on a surface of the platform, a curved body portion connected to or integral with the base portion, the curved body portion having a shape substantially mirroring a side wall of at least one of the plurality of substantially aligned tubular elements, and a protruding end portion connected to or integral with the curved body portion, the protruding end portion being disposed relative to the curved body portion to protrude along a bottom wall of the at least one of the plurality of substantially aligned tubular elements. 